Process
Downtown
Seating
Outdoor Seatin
g
Guidelines
To install an outdoor seating enclosure,
you must submit for review:
•
a “Revocable Encroachment Permit
for Outdoor Eating Areas in the
Right-of-Way” application (available
at the Engineering Counter at 281
N. College).
•
a $50 processing fee.
•
a plan showing the proposed
outdoor
seating
area
with
measurements.
•
a permission letter from the owner
of the property.
•
proof of at least $1M liability
insurance, naming the certificate
holder as insured and the City as
additional insured.
As per Article 4 – Division 4.16(E)(b),
the design of each outdoor seating
area must comply with the approved
design guidelines. An exception to
these design guidelines may be
presented for approval; however, the
design must meet the intent of these
guidelines.
Failure to comply with these guidelines
constitutes a violation of the City Land
Use Code.
For forms, information or
questions, contact the Engineering
Department at (970) 221-6605 or
visit in person at:
281 N. College Avenue, P.O. Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
GUIDELINES FOR
DOWNTOWN OUTDOOR
SEATING AREAS
*Enclosures are required for any
establishment that wishes to provide
outside alcohol service.
building in terms of style, color,
materials and similar elements.
Enclosure
Downtown Fort Collins’ retail and
entertainment core is characterized
by a collection of the City’s highest
quality streetscapes.
Outdoor seating areas add to the
success of downtown streets: they
add ambience, liveliness and
amenity to the downtown as a whole,
and create possibilities for customers
and visitors to people watch and
enjoy the weather.
Proposed items in the right-of-way
shall contribute to the uniqueness of
downtown
with
predominant
materials, elements, features, and
color range tailored specifically to the
site and its context so that it forms a
cohesive place within downtown.
Outdoor seating enclosures must
demarcate areas of the existing
sidewalk only.
No floor-type
structure may be constructed over
the sidewalk. At least seven (7) feet
of unobstructed sidewalk must be
provided for pedestrian circulation.
Railing
Enclosures must be either bolted to
the sidewalk or installed in sleeves in
the sidewalk.
Railing Color
Acceptable colors for outdoor seating
enclosures include black, naturally
dark metal colors, and dark green.
Materials
Materials
Railings must be constructed of
architectural or decorative metals
only. Fabric panels may be used.
Furniture
Tables, chairs, planters, trash
receptacles and other elements of
street furniture shall be of a
traditional form and compatible with
the architectural character of the
Additional Amenities
Additional outdoor seating amenities
such as awnings, umbrellas, flower
boxes and lighting fixtures are
allowed and encouraged.
Signage
Signage is permitted within outdoor
seating areas only with a valid City
Portable Sign permit. No extra or
additional signage is permitted solely
as a result of an establishment’s
participation in the outdoor seating
program.